Barcelona, Spain – September 23, 2025 – Teh father of FC Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is publicly disputing the recognition of Ousmane Dembélé as the 2019 Ballon d’Or winner, alleging meaningful “moral damage” caused by perceived preferential treatment and a lack of acknowledgment for his son’s contributions to the team. The dispute, surfacing days after Dembélé’s award ceremony images circulated widely-as showcased in a recent Le Figaro slideshow-escalates tensions within the club and raises questions about internal dynamics and player recognition.
The claim centers on the belief that Dembélé’s success was unduly prioritized, overshadowing the potential and achievements of younger players like Yamal, who was a rising star within the Barcelona youth system at the time. According to sources close to the Yamal family, the perceived imbalance in recognition has caused lasting emotional distress and hindered Lamine Yamal’s career trajectory. the family intends to pursue legal avenues to address the alleged “moral damage,” seeking compensation for the emotional impact and potential career setbacks.
The 2019 Ballon d’Or ceremony, commemorating Dembélé’s victory, was widely covered by media outlets including Le Figaro, which published a photographic retrospective of the event. The slideshow, titled “Ousmane Dembélé Ballon d’Or: images of a historic evening,” has now become a focal point of the Yamal family’s grievance, symbolizing what they view as an unfair party of Dembélé’s achievement at the expense of other deserving players. The case is expected to draw significant attention within the football community, possibly setting a precedent for similar disputes regarding player recognition and emotional well-being.
